How Twas: Short Stories and Small Travels

Stephen Reynolds (1881-1919) was a British author, social commentator, and advocate for the working-class. He is best known for his writings that focused on the lives of fishermen and rural communities in Britain. Reynolds moved to the coastal village of Sidmouth, Devon, where he immersed himself in the life of fishermen, eventually documenting their struggles and experiences.

His most famous work is A Poor Mans House (1908), a semi-autobiographical account of his time living among a fishing family. In this book, he captures the hardships, camaraderie, and resilience of working-class life with deep empathy and authenticity. Reynolds writing reflects his dedication to social realism and his desire to bridge the gap between the educated middle class and the laboring poor.

Reynolds also collaborated with other writers and even worked in government advisory roles related to fisheries and labor issues. His writing and activism were cut short by his early death in 1919 during the influenza pandemic.